The artwork titled “Yerres, Camille Daurelle under an Oak Tree” is an oil on cardboard painting by Gustave Caillebotte, dating from around 1871 to 1878. As an example of Impressionism, this portrait with dimensions of 43 x 32 cm is part of a private collection. Caillebotte’s piece captures the essence of the movement with its play on light and brushwork, indicative of the spontaneous and subjective impression of the scene.
In the artwork, there is a figure set against a backdrop of a lush woodland landscape. A prominent oak tree, characterized by broad, textured brushstrokes that create an intricate play of light and shadow, anchors the composition. To the left, is Camille Daurelle, depicted seated on the ground while resting against the base of the oak tree. She dons a light blue dress accented with ruffles and wears a straw hat, which reflects the fashion of the time. Her facial expression is pensive, lending an air of contemplation to the scene. The brushwork is loose and suggestive, allowing the textures of the foliage and the dappled light of the clearing to contribute to a sense of immediacy and life. Overall, the work exudes the Impressionist appreciation for the effects of light and atmosphere, as well as a momentary glimpse into the leisurely life of the nineteenth-century French.
